Cork City traders could face commercial rate hike of 3% as council tries to plug budget deficit

Council confirmed a potential rates increase was one of the items being discussed against the backdrop of a projected €3m deficit

Famous Cork chipper Lennox’s closed after 73 years on Sunday, with its owners citing the pressures of running a small business in Ireland today as among the reasons for closure. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Traders in Cork City could face a commercial rates hike of up to 3% as the city tries to plug a €3m deficit for next year.

As talks on the city council’s 2025 budget continue, it has emerged an increase in commercial rates is among the measures being considered as councillors and officials work towards striking a balanced budget.